Ransomware Research

Argus Ransomware

Argus is a malicious ransomware strain that encrypts victim files and demands ransom payment for decryption. First observed in the wild on November 1, 2018, this ransomware has been actively targeting systems worldwide. Security researchers also track this malware under the aliases: ArgusCryptor.

Quick facts

Ransomware Family
Argus
First Seen
November 1, 2018
Known Aliases
ArgusCryptor

How Argus ransomware works

File encryption patterns

Argus modifies encrypted files using specific patterns to mark them as encrypted:

Extensions added after encryption
.ARGUS

Ransom note and payment demands

After encrypting files, Argus displays ransom notes demanding payment for file recovery:

fileARGUS-DECRYPT.html
notes/ARGUS-DECRYPT.html
Location: UserFolders
fileTitan Instructions.html

Technical indicators

Associated executable files

The following executable files are associated with Argus ransomware:

About this analysis

This Argus ransomware analysis is part of Elastio's comprehensive ransomware detection database. Elastio provides advanced ransomware protection and recovery, helping organizations defend against and recover from ransomware attacks like Argus.

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Detection coverage

Elastio detects Argus inside your data and backups.

The Hunt Engine uses Deep File Inspection to identify Argus across live data, replicated data, and backups. If this family is in your environment, Elastio finds it before encryption completes. Run a scan against your recovery points to confirm.

See How the Hunt Engine WorksRequest a Demo

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